Vehicle security methods and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A vehicle safety system is disclosed. There are three major parts of the system—the proximity reader ( 200 ) mounted in the taxi ( 201 ), the host system ( 202 ) at a central location ( 203 ) and the data replication facility. The vehicular system ( 10 ) is essentially a computer having inputs and outputs. The inputs to the system ( 10 ) include, for example, passenger identification information ( 11 ) which is supplied by a sensor ( 12 ) which communicates with a wireless smart card ( 13 ), which is carried by a passenger ( 14 ). In its most rudimentary form, the smart card ( 13 ) transmits a unique identification number. In more sophisticated embodiments, the smart card ( 13 ) may also transmit biometric information such as fingerprint information or facial image information. The passenger ( 14 ) may also be requested to input a PIN number to a keypad ( 15 ) mounted on the exterior of the vehicle ( 16 ).

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention pertains to vehicle security systems for taxi drivers andtheir passengers and more particularly to a vehicle security systemutilizing wireless remote identification with access to a wireless orother networked database.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Taxi drivers are too frequently injured or killed while on their shift.Many such assaults have gone unreported and few arrests usually result,owing to poor identification of the perpetrators. Taxi drivers are notalways the victims of these crimes. A number of taxi drivers have beenconvicted for crimes against passengers.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is desirable that a security system pre-screens apassenger prior to admission into a taxi and optionally records theidentity of both the taxi driver and the passenger as well as otherdetails as required. Such a system would provide a safer workingenvironment for drivers at all times.

Accordingly, there is provided a pre-entry screening device for avehicle such as a taxicab. The device comprises a sensor which isadapted to detect radio frequency signals or magnetic fields associatedwith a passenger smart card. The sensor is adapted to provide passengeridentification information to a microprocessor located within the taxi.The microprocessor is part of a vehicle information system which isadapted to compare the passenger identification information withinformation provided from a remote database. The vehicular informationsystem may also require the entry of a passenger pin number. Thevehicular information system is adapted to perform any one or more of anumber of tasks which are intended to alert the driver to the likelihoodof an irregularity associated with the passenger and maintain a recordof passenger and taxi activity.

In some embodiments of the invention, the passenger's smart cardcontains digital image information which corresponds to a biometric ofthe passenger such as an image of the passenger's face or fingerprint.

In other embodiments of the invention, one component of the vehicularinformation system is adapted to display an image corresponding to theimage data on the passenger's smart card.

In other embodiments of the invention, the vehicular information systemis adapted to establish a wireless connection with a remote database andexchange information with that database.

In yet further embodiments, the vehicular information system furthercomprises an externally mounted keypad which is provided so that thepassenger may enter a PIN number prior to entry.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put intopractical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanyingdrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates in perspective and side elevations the scanner anddisplay unit according to the teachings of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a taxi driver's view of apassenger utilising the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view simulating a driver's viewpoint;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a second embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a third embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is an exterior perspective view of a taxi illustrating both acombined detector and keypad mounted on an exterior surface as well asan interior mounted annunciation;

FIG. 9 is an exterior perspective view of a taxi illustrating apassenger's pre-entry screening card, and

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an enunciator with internalillumination.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the invention.

BEST MODE AND OTHER EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

As shown in FIG. 1, a vehicle security system with network featurescomprises various components including a vehicular mounted informationsystem 10 which includes all of the hardware and software necessary toperform the security features which are the subject of the presentinvention. The vehicular information system 10 is essentially a computerhaving inputs and outputs. The inputs to the system 10 include, forexample, passenger identification information 11 which is supplied by asensor 12. The sensor 12 is a reader or transponder which communicateswith a wireless smart card 13, which is carried by a passenger 14. Thesmart card 13 may be, for example, a radio frequency identification(RFID) smart card, Hall effect etc. Device which is capable oftransmitting data to the sensor 12. In its most rudimentary form, thesmart card 13 transmits a unique identification number. In moresophisticated embodiments, the smart card 13 may also transmit biometricinformation such as fingerprint information or facial image information.In other embodiments of the invention, the passenger 14 may also berequested to input a PIN number to a keypad 15 mounted on the exteriorof the vehicle 16. PIN data from the external keypad 15 may alsocomprise an input 17 to the information system 10. As will be explainedbelow, a further input to the information system 10 may be in the formof data collected or extracted from a remote database 18. Theinformation system 10 may also accept driver inputs 19 for example, inthe form of data from a drivers keypad or microphone. Input data 20 mayalso be in the form of vehicle data such as that which may be generatedby a GPS, camera, odometer or other vehicle mounted sensor.

Outputs of the information system 10 may include signals 21 forgenerating audible or visual alarms for the taxi's driver, signals 22for automatically opening or closing the locks associated with thetaxi's doors, display data 23 for generating a graphic display on ascreen within the taxi's interior and one or more data outputs 24 whichare provided to communications devices which establish links andexchange data with a remote database.

As shown in FIG. 2, a combination sensor and display unit 12 comprises awedge shaped consol which fits above the dashboard 30 of a vehicle andbelow the windscreen 31. This configuration permits the front surface 32of the sensor and display unit 12 to lie close to and preferablyparallel to the windscreen 31. The front surface 32 may incorporate anantenna or other sensor or reader portion 33 and may also carry brandingor other text information 34.

As shown in FIG. 3, one acceptable location for the sensor and displayunit 12 is above the dashboard 30 and toward the passenger side door 35.This allows the driver's field of vision 36 to include both the displayscreen 37 built into the unit 12 and the passenger 38 (in particularlythe face 39). This configuration for the sensor and display unit 12 alsoallows the passenger 38 to present their smart card 13 in a convenientlocation prior to entering the passenger side 35 of the vehicle 16. Itwill be observed that the driver's field of vision 36 also incorporatesanother and optional display screens 40 which the driver requires.

As shown in FIG. 4, the drivers perspective 36 incorporates the displayarea 37 of the sensor and display unit 12, the optional display 40 and aclear view of the passenger through the windscreen 31.

As shown in FIG. 5, the passenger's smart card 13 communicates 50 withthe sensor and display unit 12. In this embodiment, the smart card 13uploads the passengers digital image data so that the display area 37 iscaused to generate an image corresponding to the one held by the smartcard 13. The driver makes a visual comparison between the image on thedisplay screen 37 and the passenger's face 39. Location and trip detailsmay also be recorded, for example with a GPS accessory as will beexplained.

In this particular embodiment, the vehicular information system 10 alsoreceives radio signals 51 from a remote transmitter 52. The informationsystem 10 compares known passenger information from a remote database 53to the information derived from the smart card 13. In this way, theinformation system 10 may periodically upload or download data to orfrom the head office 54 by wireless modem and also download updates ofbanned, lost and stolen cards which information is held by the database53 and transmitted 51 to the information system 10. A system such asthis requires passengers to supply personal data when requesting apassenger smart card 13. This personal data is kept on the database andsome information may be stored on the card 13 itself.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, the vehicular information system 10 establishes a connectionwith a PC 60. This connection may be established by wireless ortelephonic modem or by other means such as physical cabling etc. In thisembodiment, passenger data is stored in the information system 10 whenit is provided from the PC 60. In preferred embodiments, the PC 60 isconnected to a network 61 through which it obtains the information whichis required by the driver of the vehicle 16.

As shown in FIG. 7, a further embodiment of the invention allows thedriver of the vehicle 16 to obtain data from a remote database 70 whichis connected to a network 71. The network 71 supplies data to a terminal72 which in turn writes the data to a physical device such as a memorycard 73. The driver of the vehicle 16 is able to obtain the memory card73 at a convenient location such as a petrol station or taxi depot.Insertion of the memory card 73 into the vehicles information system 10allows the system 10 to perform the necessary comparisons referred toabove.

In summary, the invention provides a way of comparing information from acentralised database of passenger information (eg 53, 70) to dataprovided by a passenger's smart card 13. The system allows the displayof an image stored on the smart card 13 on a display unit 37 which iseasily visible to the vehicle's driver. Accordingly, the system allowsthe driver to deny entry to unwanted passengers and also provides ameans of optionally storing, transmitting or displaying otherinformation on a secondary display unit 40 (see FIG. 3). This otherinformation 40 may include promotional or advertising informationgenerated specifically to suit the characteristics (such as age,location, time) of the passenger 14 whose smart card 13 is presented tothe sensor 12.

As shown in FIG. 8, a pre-entry screening system for a vehicle such as ataxi comprises a sensor 111, a keypad 112 and an enunciator 113. Thedetector 111 is preferably a card scanner such as one which would beadapted to receive radio frequency emissions or magnetic fieldsassociated with a passenger's personal identity card. It will beappreciated that the passenger may use a number of other devices besidesa card. Key rings, tokens or wireless devices such as telephones may beused in place of a RFID, magnetic strip or Hall effect card. Thedetector 111 is controlled by a microprocessor which interprets theelectromagnetic or radio emissions or fields associated with thepassenger's card. The detector 111 derives therefrom a number which iscompared to a stored list of valid numbers or operated upon by analgorithm to determine whether or not the passengers card (or otherdevice) is a valid one. If the passenger's card is valid, then themicroprocessor or processing system enables itself to detect andinterpret the entry of a PIN number from, for example, the keypad 112.The PIN number entered on the keypad 112 is compared to a list of validPINS or is input into an algorithm which is capable of identifying anddistinguishing valid from invalid PIN numbers. Where the microprocessingsystem determines that the card presented to the detector 111 is a validone and the PIN number entered on the keypad 112 (or otherwise) is a pinwhich is associated with the passenger's card, then the appropriatesignal is sent to the enunciator 113.

In preferred embodiments, when the pre-entry screening system isoperational but not actually in use, the enunciator 113 will beilluminated from within with a light emitting device such as a lightbulb or LED of a first colour such as yellow. If either the card or PINor both are invalid, then the signal sent to the enunciator 113 willcause the illumination of a light emitting device of a second colour,such as red. If both the passenger's identification card and PIN arevalid and associated with one another, then a signal is sent to theenunciator 113 which causes the illumination of a third emitting deviceof a third colour, such as green. In this way, the driver is given anear instantaneous indication of whether or not the potential passengerhas a valid card and the appropriate PIN number. In line with the aboveexample, the driver will use the red or green indication to assist himwith a decision as to whether or not to admit the passenger. The drivermay always resort to his own visual or other determination inconsultation with the information provided by the enunciator 113. Itwill also be appreciated that a driver may be supplied with audiblesignals in addition to or as a substitute for the visual signalsprovided by the enunciator 113.

As shown in FIG. 8, the enunciator 113 is preferably located behind thewindscreen of the vehicle and above the dashboard so that it is easilyseen by both the driver and the passenger from most orientations.

As shown in FIG. 9, a passenger identity card (or other device) can beadapted to emit radio frequency signals which can be received by thedetector 11 or by electronics mounted within the enunciator 113. Thepassenger identification card 120 may optionally be equipped with anumeric keypad 121 which may be used in place of the keypad 12 mountedon the exterior of the vehicle. A wireless device such as a palmcomputer or telephone may also be used.

As shown in FIG. 8, the detector 111 and keypad 112 may be combined intoa single thin membrane style device which may be adhered to an exteriorsurface. The electrical lead wires associated with the detector 111 andkeypad 112 can pass through an opening in the vehicle body locatedbeneath the panel 114. The lead wires are long enough to communicatewith the processor and control system which may be located convenientlywithin the vehicle.

As shown in FIG. 10, the enunciator 113 preferably comprises a hollowpolymeric body 114 within which is located the various coloured lightsor LEDs 15. Because the hollow body 114 is preferably formed from atransparent or translucent polymer, the illumination of a singlecoloured bulb or LED 115 causes the entire exterior of the device toglow in the appropriate colour. This provides an effective indication ofthe success or failure of the pre-entry screening from nearly any angleof view. The device is generally wedge-shaped, having an inclined frontsurface 116 and generally flat bottom 117.

In some embodiments of the invention it may be preferred to have themicroprocessor control system of the pre-entry screening system actuallycontrol the vehicle central locking system. In this type ofconfiguration, the driver is provided with an override switch. Theoverride switch provides the driver with the option of locking thevehicle even when a positive indication is given or unlocking thevehicle even when a negative indication is given. In other embodiments,the central processor of this system can be linked by radio or bytelephone to a police assistance system or other network.

It will be appreciated that the database required to support the list ofvalid passenger ID card numbers and valid PIN numbers can be storedlocally within the vehicle and updated from a remote source or theentire database can be located remotely from the taxi whereby the taxihas a wireless network connection to that database. Similarly, datacaptured during use about the identity of passengers cards and the PINnumbers may be stored locally or transmitted to a remote database.Records kept by a central authority enable the linking of a PIN numberto a particular passenger so that the identity of the passenger iscaptured by the system. Similarly, a driver may be required to enter adriver PIN number in order to activate the system thereby linking theidentity of the driver to the operation of the system of the presentinvention.

As will be appreciated from the above description and FIG. 11, theinformation processing components of the present system may be seen ascomprising three major parts—the proximity reader or transponder 200mounted in the taxi 201, the host system 202 at a central location 203and the data replication facility or infrastructure. The term “proximityreader” or “card reader” refers to the actual sensor or antenna whichreceives card data and also to the computer and software required toanalyse, store and make use of the captured data. The data replicationfacility or infrastructure is a combination of hardware and softwarewhich is run over a network such as a GPRS network 204. The datareplication facility allows for the efficient transmission of databetween the host system 202, its database 206 and the host side software205 and the taxis 201. The data replication facility allows theinformation between host and a taxi or a plurality of taxis to beexchanged in batches, rather than necessarily in real time. The batchinterval may range from minutes or hours to a full day. The host systemis, for example, a PC, application software, a database and its softwareas well as a GPRS interface or gateway to the network 204.

A proximity reader 200, such as an RFID reader, will be installed ineach taxi 201. The proximity reader 200 reads proximity cards (drivercards 207 and passenger cards 208) and validates the card. In preferredembodiments the proximity reader interfaces to a GPS unit 209 using, forexample, the NMEA protocol 210. In this way, the proximity reader mayobtain the taxi's longitude and latitude and other data from the GPSunit. The proximity reader 200 may for example obtain the date and timefrom the GPS Unit. The proximity reader 200 preferably uses the lastknown location if the GPS Unit has no signal when a passenger is pickedup. Data is transmitted and received via a mobile data modem 211.

A hot card is defined as a proximity card that has been blocked, usuallybecause it has been lost or stolen. The proximity reader preferablycaches a list of hot card numbers, for example 1000 hot card numbersreferred to as a hot list. In preferred embodiments, the proximityreader should contain the current hot list in less than 20 seconds afterthe ignition or auxiliary power circuit in the taxi 201 is turned on.

At the start of a shift the driver will present a drivers proximity card207. Each time a driver card is read the proximity reader 200 mustcreate and store a new driver proximity card transaction. A Driver CardTransaction must include the following information:

-   -   Date and time from the GPS.    -   Driver card number.    -   Longitude and latitude location coordinates from the GPS.

Each time a customer card is read the proximity reader must create andstore a new card transaction. A card transaction will preferably includethe following information:

-   -   Date and time from the GPS.    -   Customer card number.    -   Longitude and latitude location coordinates from the GPS.

The proximity reader 200 must queue card transactions in a dead spot butupload as soon as possible or when scheduled. The proximity reader mustalso create card transactions for cards that fail the verificationprocess including why they were rejected, e.g. because it's a hot cardor damaged etc.

The proximity reader preferably authenticates a card using anauthentication scheme. Thus, the proximity reader must verify theapplication ID on the card, and verify that the card is not in the hotlist. In preferred embodiments the proximity reader provides userfeedback to the driver when a card has been accepted. The proximityreader may provide audio or other feedback to the driver when a card hasbeen rejected. The reader will optimally provide user feedback to thecustomer when a card has been accepted or rejected.

The requirements for data replication are stated at a high level ofabstraction to allow for choices in data transfer. The replicationfacility preferably does not require any driver involvement nor does itrely on taxis visiting a particular physical location, or locations, atregular intervals. Accordingly it is preferred that the replicationfacility must not require taxi drivers to deviate from their normalroutes or routine.

The replication facility must minimize the overall data transfer coststaking into account capital expenditure and operating expenditure. Itwill preferably retrieve card transactions within thirty minutes ofcreation and will not loose card transactions under normal operationalcircumstances. The replication facility must download amendments to thehot card list in a timely fashion—the target is that all operating cabsare updated within ten minutes. Thus, the replication facility mustpreferably be able to download an entire hot card list of 1000 recordsinto the proximity reader in less than 5 minutes, with the less then 1minute being the optimum.

The replication facility must be able to detect if the hot card list inthe proximity reader is out of sync with the host system andautomatically repair the hot card list in the proximity reader. Thereplication facility may queue hot card updates for each proximityreader while the communications link is down (e.g. taxi in a radiocoverage dead spot) or the taxi is not operating. The replicationfacility must guarantee delivery of each hot card message withoutcorruption or loss.

The proximity reader must periodically check the integrity of the hotcard list using for example, a CRC.

The replication facility will preferably queue card transactions whilethe communications link is down or in a dead spot and guarantee deliveryof each card transaction without corruption or loss.

The proximity reader 200 must not rely on having radio reception when apassenger is picked up nor rely on having a current GPS reading when apassenger is picked up. I.E. it should use the last known positioncoordinates. However, it is preferred that the proximity reader flag anyrides that do not have a current GPS reading and it must send throughthe next known position coordinates when the signal returns.

The host system 202 runs on a server at a central location 203. It isused for setting up cardholder accounts, issuing cards, blocking cardsand viewing card transactions. The host system stores a list ofcardholders in a database and may import cardholder data. The hostsystem allows a new cardholder account to be created and, allows a newor replacement card to be issued to a cardholder and allow a card to beblocked, i.e. the hot card. The host system allows cardholder details tobe entered or modified or retired.

The host system preferably retains the following data about a cardholderaccount:

-   -   Cardholder Name    -   Card Number    -   Cardholder Type—driver or customer    -   Address    -   Phone    -   Status i.e. active, blocked or retired

The host system also stores an electronic journal of card transactionsin a database 206 and preferably allows the most recent cardtransactions to be viewed as they occur. It may associate a vehicleidentifier with each card transaction.

The host system must provide a reporting facility for cardholderaccounts.

The cardholder account report preferably allows the following filtersand may allow the following sort orders:

-   -   Cardholder Name    -   Card Number    -   Cardholder Type—driver or customer    -   Status i.e. active, blocked or retired

The host system preferably provides a reporting facility for cardtransactions thus allowing the following filters:

-   -   Time Window    -   Cardholder Name    -   Card Number    -   Cardholder Type—driver or customer    -   Attempted use of a Hot Card    -   Vehicle ID

A card transaction report may allow the following sort orders:

-   -   Date and time    -   Cardholder Name    -   Card Number.    -   Vehicle ID

The host system may provide an automatic backup facility for all datastored in the database.

In addition to the functional requirements, there are alsonon-functional requirements for the equipment. These demands are notrelated to what the equipment is precisely required to do, but ratherthe manner in which it performs the functions. For example, theproximity reader 200 must be able to authorize (verify) a card in lessthan 3 seconds, with less than 1 second being optimum and have a readrange of at least 25 mm from the outside of the vehicle, through glass.The proximity reader must not malfunction due to the high temperaturesreached in the interior of the vehicle parked outside on a summer's day.The proximity reader and associated equipment must not causeinterference with any existing radio communications equipment installedon the taxi. The reader must cope with the power supply fluctuationstypical in an automotive application, including cold starts and must notcause excessive drain on the taxi's battery while the engine is turnedoff. As a guideline, it should not flatten the battery after 72 hours.

While the present invention has been described with reference toparticular details of operation and of construction, these will beunderstood as having been provided by way of example and not aslimitations to the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in theclaims.

1. A vehicle safety system comprising: a portable transponder mounted onor within a vehicle, the transponder adapted to acquire passenger datafrom a wireless data source presented by a potential passenger fromoutside a vehicle; the transponder communicating with a vehicular dataprocessing device, this device adapted to store data acquired by thetransponder, compare the stored data to other data supplied from anexternal source and provide an indication to a driver of the vehiclewhen the comparison indicates a risk associated with the passenger.
 2. Avehicle safety system comprising: a portable transponder mounted to avehicle, the transponder adapted to acquire passenger data from awireless data source presented by a potential passenger from outside avehicle, the passenger data further comprising biometric data; thetransponder communicating with a vehicular data processing device, thisdevice adapted to process data acquired by the transponder, and providethe biometric data or data derived from it to a driver of the vehiclefor use by the driver for comparison with an actual biometric feature ofthe passenger.
 3. The safety system of claim 1, further comprising: aGPS transponder which supplies data to the vehicular data processingdevice, the vehicular data processing device capturing longitude andlatitude location coordinates from the GPS transponder and creating arecord of latitude location coordinates associated with a passengermovement.
 4. The safety system of claim 2, further comprising: a GPStransponder which supplies data to the vehicular data processing device,the vehicular data processing device capturing longitude and latitudelocation coordinates from the GPS transponder and creating a record oflatitude location coordinates associated with a passenger movement. 5.The safety system of claim 1, further comprising: a GPS transponderwhich supplies data to the vehicular data processing device, thevehicular data processing device capturing longitude and latitudelocation coordinates and a date and time from the GPS transponder andcreating a record of latitude location coordinates associated with apassenger movement.
 6. The safety system of claim 2, further comprising:a GPS transponder which supplies data to the vehicular data processingdevice, the vehicular data processing device capturing longitude andlatitude location coordinates and a date and time from the GPStransponder and creating a record of latitude location coordinatesassociated with a passenger movement.
 7. The safety system of claim 1,further comprising: a host computer connected to a wireless network overwhich operates a data replication infrastructure.
 8. The safety systemof claim 2, further comprising: a host computer connected to a wirelessnetwork over which operates a data replication infrastructure.
 9. Thesafety system of claim 1, further comprising: a keypad mounted on anexterior of the vehicle, the keypad supplying a PIN number entered bythe passenger to the vehicular data processing device.
 10. The safetysystem of claim 2, further comprising: a keypad mounted on an exteriorof the vehicle, the keypad supplying a PIN number entered by thepassenger to the vehicular data processing device.
 11. The safety systemof claim 7, wherein: the host computer stores a list of cardholders in adatabase and may import cardholder data, the host allowing a newcardholder account to be created and, storing data indicating that acard is to be blocked.
 12. The safety system of claim 8, furthercomprising: the host computer stores a list of cardholders in a databaseand may import cardholder data, the host allowing a new cardholderaccount to be created and, storing data indicating that a card is to beblocked.
 13. The safety system of claim 1, wherein: the vehicular dataprocessor caches a list of blocked or hot passenger card numbersprovided from an external source.
 14. The safety system of claim 2,further comprising: the vehicular data processor caches a list ofblocked or hot passenger card numbers provided from an external source.15. The safety system of claim 1, wherein: the vehicular data processorstores a driver proximity card transaction when a driver presents adriver card to the transponder.
 16. The safety system of claim 2,further comprising: the vehicular data processor stores a driverproximity card transaction when a driver presents a driver card to thetransponder.
 17. The safety system of claim 15, further comprising: aGPS transponder which supplies data to the vehicular data processingdevice, the vehicular data processing device capturing longitude andlatitude location coordinates and a date and time from the GPStransponder and creating a record of latitude location coordinatesassociated with a driver when the driver card is presented to thetransponder.
 18. The safety system of claim 16, further comprising: aGPS transponder which supplies data to the vehicular data processingdevice, the vehicular data processing device capturing longitude andlatitude location coordinates and a date and time from the GPStransponder and creating a record of latitude location coordinatesassociated with a driver when the driver card is presented to thetransponder.
 19. A method of safeguarding the safety of a vehicle,comprising the steps of: using a portable transponder mounted on orwithin a vehicle to acquire passenger data from a wireless data sourcepresented by a potential passenger from outside a vehicle; processingthe passenger data with the vehicular data processing device to storedata acquired by the transponder; using the vehicular data processingdevice to compare stored data to other passenger related data suppliedfrom a wireless network; and using the vehicular data processing deviceto provide an alert to a driver of the vehicle when the comparisonindicates a risk associated with the passenger.
 20. The method of claim19, further comprising the steps of: capturing GPS data with a vehicularGPS transponder and transmitting the GPS data to the vehicular dataprocessing device; and associating the GPS data with the passenger datato create a record of passenger movement according to time.